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Wendy Benstead: Costume and Clothing
About us
For Film, TV, Theatre, Performance and Bridal.
Covering all aspects of costume and clothing, Wendy can provide a variety of services from costume production, right through to costume sourcing and styling, wardrobe supervision, on set alterations, bridal wear, and bespoke dressmaking and tailoring.
Having graduated with a BA Degree in ‘Costume for the Screen and Stage’ from Bournemouth Arts Institute in 2006, Wendy has worked hard to establish herself as a reliable and dedicated Costumer.
Specialising in period and theatrical costume, with an emphasis on corsetry, Wendy is a skilled seamstress and can apply her expertise to all aspects of costume making. She has a comprehensive understanding for how costumes often need to provide a specific working function, and can work to almost any budget, finding ways to keep costs down for smaller production requirements.
Whether you need a costume realised from a design, a recreation of a piece from a photo or a film, or if you have an idea in your mind about what you need, but want to work through a design process to create a concept, Wendy can produce costumes to suit any need, with skill and attention to detail.
Based in her working studio in South East London
, Wendy is happy to travel anywhere in the London or surrounding area to provide her services, and can also work remotely from instructions to produce garments to be delivered to your door.
With an excellent understanding of period, character, design and look, Wendy can also be available to style and source costumes to create the perfect look for any theatre production, TV show, or feature film. With insider knowledge on where to source vintage or specialised garments, and a knack for being able to characterise a role through clothing, Wendy can use her talents to create a wardrobe for a production on any scale.
Examples of a selection of Wendy’s work can be found in the portfolio section.
Should you require any services within the costume and clothing industry,... show more please get in touch to discuss your requirements.
show more
Covering all aspects of costume and clothing, Wendy can provide a variety of services from costume production, right through to costume sourcing and styling, wardrobe supervision, on set alterations, bridal wear, and bespoke dressmaking and tailoring.
Having graduated with a BA Degree in ‘Costume for the Screen and Stage’ from Bournemouth Arts Institute in 2006, Wendy has worked hard to establish herself as a reliable and dedicated Costumer.
Specialising in period and theatrical costume, with an emphasis on corsetry, Wendy is a skilled seamstress and can apply her expertise to all aspects of costume making. She has a comprehensive understanding for how costumes often need to provide a specific working function, and can work to almost any budget, finding ways to keep costs down for smaller production requirements.
Whether you need a costume realised from a design, a recreation of a piece from a photo or a film, or if you have an idea in your mind about what you need, but want to work through a design process to create a concept, Wendy can produce costumes to suit any need, with skill and attention to detail.
Based in her working studio in South East London
, Wendy is happy to travel anywhere in the London or surrounding area to provide her services, and can also work remotely from instructions to produce garments to be delivered to your door.
With an excellent understanding of period, character, design and look, Wendy can also be available to style and source costumes to create the perfect look for any theatre production, TV show, or feature film. With insider knowledge on where to source vintage or specialised garments, and a knack for being able to characterise a role through clothing, Wendy can use her talents to create a wardrobe for a production on any scale.
Examples of a selection of Wendy’s work can be found in the portfolio section.
Should you require any services within the costume and clothing industry,... show more please get in touch to discuss your requirements.
show more
Hours of operation
Monday9:00AM - 6:00PMTuesday9:00AM - 6:00PMWednesday9:00AM - 6:00PMThursday9:00AM - 6:00PMFriday9:00AM - 6:00PMSaturday9:00AM - 6:00PMSunday9:00AM - 6:00PM
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26 recommendations and reviews from 5 people
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Referral from
June 12, 2017
Tor G. asked:Can anyone recommend a reliable seamstress to alter my wedding dress please? Mine has just cancelled on me last minute and I now don't have long to get it amended. Thank you.Sarah G. replied:Wendy Benstead, based in Catford. http://www.wendybenstead.com
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Referral from
September 17, 2014
Jacob L. asked:Any fashion/textile people out there in the know. I need to get some silk scarfs hemmed (really nicely pref a rolled hem) in a pretty short time in london over the next couple of weeks. Anyone know a good seamstress? ...Oh and they must be ok working with explicit images!!
Lorna G. replied:I thought so, give her a ring 02084690138 failing that 07763842253 x
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Referral from
December 21, 2011
Jade W. asked:Can anyone advise good dress makers? I would like my dress custom made but not really sure where to look.Sharon C. replied:I an recommend Wendy Benstead https://www.facebook.com/costumesbywendy she is a friend of mine and is an amazing dressmaker/seamstess :o)7
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Referral from
January 11, 2017
Carla C. asked:Buongiorno ! My friend will get married in London and is looking for a wedding dress maker in the area . Her wedding is 25th of August 2017 . Any suggetions ? Thank you!!Wendy B. replied:Hi Carla, I have a studio based in South East London with a team of makers. We have substantial experience making bespoke wedding dresses. Please email one of my members of staff on info@wendybenstead.com to discuss the wedding dress further. Many Thanks!
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Referral from
November 24, 2016
Theresa D. asked:Hi there i need a london based costume maker to make me 4 x podium dance costumes, i know exactly what i need and can send over photos, my email address is info@glamslamentertainments.com or comment below or PM me thanks It needs to be finished by the 8th dec (its a fairly simple design though)Wendy B. replied:Hi Theresa, happy to quote if you want to email pics over! Email is info@wendybenstead.com. Hilariously I used to be a podium dancer so know the requirements well! In fact it was how I first got into costume! We're based in Catford, but can do most things remotely.
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Referral from
November 22, 2016
Sarah L. asked:Putting this out there in case anyone needs the work right now..... I have a client in South Croydon in desperate need of having a fully lined sequinned dress shortening from calf to just above knee. Lady is a classical singer so could be a potential long term client. She needs it done for a performance on 3rd December. These kind of smaller jobs used to be my bread & butter but circumstances don't allow at the moment. Let me know if anyone can help her out or where I can point her, whilst she could find any old alterations person she really wants someone who can do a nice job on sequinned fabric as she's going to be on stage in front of a lot of people. Thanks in advanceWendy B. replied:Thanks Eve! Yep, we are Catford so not that far from East Croydon! Happy to help, we do loads of alterations for musicians actually! Please do pass on our info, she can email on info@wendybenstead.com or call the studio on 02037575390.
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Referral from
August 29, 2016
Balbina G. asked:hi clever people.. i am looking for a few seamstresses, for high quality dressmaking, you need to have good skills and be able to finish it to a high standard, quick turn around so no time for remakes or alterations,please inbox me with some samples of your work , paid of course. I will have more details soon, I am just wanting to have a few people I can call upon when the time come. if you know someone and can recommend please tag them.Wendy B. replied:Well, you know I have a team of excellent makers! Email me any time! info@wendybenstead.com We can often turn things around fairly quick... Just let me know what you need!
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Referral from
May 8, 2016
Sharon E. asked:Hi Looking for a seamstress in South East London area that would be able to alter an evening wear bodice .Anybody able to help? I can pass on her detailsWendy B. replied:Thanks Eve! Hi Sharon, I have a studio based in Deptford/New Cross and I'd be happy to quote on this. Drop me an email to info@wendybenstead.com Many thanks.
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Referral from
March 4, 2016
Helen S. asked:Looking for someone to make this Blazer for me in the next 2 weeks... Anyone able to point me in the right direction?Wendy B. replied:Thanks Eve! And yes, we could make this for you Helen. Please drop me an email on info@wendybenstead.com and I'd be happy to have a chat! It might be tricky to find that EXACT fabric but we can get something pretty neat I reckon!
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Referral from
March 2, 2016
Katy T. asked:Hello, We are looking for someone who can make 4x WW2 utility dresses (fairly simple shapes) and 4x 1940s maternity dresses - to be completed by the week commencing March 14th. This is a paid position and the work could be potentially split between more than one person. Please get in touch via email to - Kathryn.Taylor@me.comWendy B. replied:Hi Katy, we could cover all of them for you. I have a studio and team in South East London. Drop me an email on info@wendybenstead.com if you'd like to have a chat! :)
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Referral from
February 1, 2016
Hayley J. asked:Hi, I'm looking for a bridal dress maker with excellent corsetry skills for a wedding dress commission. Any recommendations would be amazing. Thank you :)Wendy B. replied:^Thanks guys! And yep, we do plenty of corseted wedding dresses! I actually have a qualification in corsetry, so would be happy to help! More about my business and what we do is at facebook.com/costumesbywendy, so drop me a line and I'll get you a quote! Cheers! 👍🏻
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Referral from
January 21, 2016
Wendy B. asked:I know this isn't costume specific, but as small business and freelancers I know we all have contacts... I'm looking for a website designer/builder. I need to upgrade my site, and the brilliant guy who did mine before has taken on full time work so doesn't have the time! Everyone else I approach seems to think I have BILLIONS to spend on something fancy, when I don't really. I am having my rebrand done separately, so it's really just the build and construct. Any contacts or recommendations welcome! Thanks!Wendy B. replied:If it's not a total pain, but if you could pass my email on to them, and ask them to drop me a line if they're interested? It's info@wendybenstead.com. Frustratingly my current website is down due to server problems! But tats another story!!!
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Referral from
November 15, 2015
Steen W. asked:I'm looking for a good, quick and reliable maker to make some basic shirts and blouses for panto. Ideally looking for someone Norwich. Aprox 10 blouses and 10 shirts, all pretty simple but must be ready by the end of the month. Paid Please mail info@kirsteenwythe.com for more infoWendy B. replied:Hi Steen, we're not Norwich based but we can do this for you, we specialise in multiple runs. Please email me in info@wendybenstead.com if you would like to discuss. Thanks!
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Referral from
July 10, 2015
Ilona K. asked:Hallo I am a supervisor at Almeida theatre in London. I bought dead stock suit on e-bay Jermyn street double breasted size 44. The designer has now decided we need two. One broken down and one as it is. I am looking for a tailor to copy it. As its a last minute decision, the tailor would only have week to do it. Anybody free and interested? Preferably from London because of the tight deadline. Thank you IlonaWendy B. replied:Hi Ilona, I am sure we can do this for you! If you would like to email me on info@wendybenstead.com I am sure we can discuss. Thanks!
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Referral from
June 21, 2015
Milo H. asked:Hello everyone, i'm in need of a screen accurate replica costume of the Gryffindor Quidditch Robes used in the later HP films. Will need someone to make them. I am trying to source the materials, I know its red diamond ripstop nylon for the main body, but this is proving difficult to find, so if anyone knows where to find this ripstop (i have tried pretty much everywhere) then that would be a great help. I have lots of reference pictures, but any help would be appreciated. Feel free to PM me to discuss. Many thanks!Wendy B. replied:Hi Milo, we can do this for you. Please email me on info@wendybenstead.com. I have worked on HP quidditch robes before, but I am afraid I don't have any contacts for the fabric. However, if I recall correctly, the ones we made before were from a sail cloth.
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Referral from
January 7, 2015
Åse D. asked:Any fast makers out there? We also need help with alterations and breaking down. Paid and to start as soon as. Please inbox me.Wendy B. replied:Hi Ase, I run a workroom in South London and have a team, we can turn things around pretty fast normally! If you need to outsource things, please do feel free to drop me a line on info@wendybenstead.com, or call 02084690138. Thanks!
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Referral from
September 24, 2014
Miriam H. asked:Is there any costume people in London available today to do an emergency job? If so PM me. ThanksWendy B. replied:We are available! I have a studio in Deptford, with a team. Can also hire out seamstresses. What's the job? Call on 02084690138 or email info@wendybenstead.com
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Referral from
August 17, 2016
Jovana G. asked:Hi all! In a need of contemporary wedding dress for the short film shoot this Saturday. Does anyone know where I can hire it, buy it or borrow it (London based) for almost nothing as our budget is so small that almost doesn't exist. It's only needed for one scene, static shot/no movement or action in it, so there is no risk of ruining it. If somebody even has it or know someone who does, please forward me the details! Young wedding designers, keen on collaboration are welcome as well! Thank you!!Wendy B. replied:We have several you could hire! (Bespoke made by us, so one of a kind!) Drop me a line to info@wendybenstead.com. Thanks!
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Referral from
January 14, 2016
Cindy R. asked:Does anyone know of a tailor shop in London where we could send our actress to be measured top to toe? We're prepping in Los Angeles..Wendy B. replied:We can do this for you! Have often done this for over seas designers... Email me: info@wendybenstead.com. We offer a fully comprehensive 43 measures sheet!
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Referral from
March 8, 2015
Helen G. asked:Hello everyone I have two friends who need their bridesmaid dresses shortened. I have altered the straps for them but I am unavailable to shorten the hems. They are made of chiffon, off the peg dresses from House of Fraser. Can anyone recommend a seamstress/dressmaker in the London area that is good in bridal wear?? Thanks Helen :)Wendy B. replied:We can do this! Email info@wendybenstead.com
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Referral from
September 15, 2014
Louise E. asked:Looking for the best place to buy men's 70's suits, any suggestions? May need to try buying doubles which is my main concern so repro's an option. Many thanks in advance xWendy B. replied:If you'd like a chat, my details are on my site-> www.wendybenstead.com
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Referral from
August 28, 2014
Patrick D. asked:Hi there is there anyone here that can make tail jackets like this ? I'm looking for my cousin he just wants one made ATM as soon as I find out what prices people are asking he is ready and waiting with money cheers guys and galsWendy B. replied:^Debs is your girl, she's ace! If she can't fit you in, or her timelines don't work out though, drop us a line too... www.wendybenstead.com
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Referral from
July 13, 2014
Love D. asked:Can anyone help? Reader query that I've just picked up from my inbox: 'Dear Annabel, I love your blog and followed it daily before I got married in 2013 and it definitely helped me decide on a beautiful Ghost Sylvia dress which I'm now hoping to dye a deep purple and shorten into a dress I can wear again. Do you have any recommendations for a person or store in London that dyes wedding dresses? Ghost will only dye to order but will not dye after its been worn but the material is made for dyeing which is one reason I bought from them. Some dry cleaners just recommend doing it yourself but to me I would feel better having someone professional dye it.'
Wendy B. replied:Try Shultz and Wiremu, they are amazing at dying! We can do the alterations to shorten for you too, as my company specialises in Bridal alterations. Drop me a line on info@wendybenstead.com and we'd be happy to discuss!
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Referral from
April 16, 2014
Yanika W. asked:Looking for a London based maker who is free tomorrow or Monday! PM me please :)Wendy B. replied:Hi Yanika, have just seen this post so I am sure it won't be of any use to you now, but in future, I run a costume making studio, please see www.facebook.com/costumesbywendy or www.wendybenstead.com for information. We can often take things on last minute. Best wishes, Wendy
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Referral from
December 31, 2013
Emily S. asked:Anyone know where to hire a good pregnancy bump or got one i can borrow? would rather not make it if i dont have to....Wendy B. replied:Maybe email me tomorrow on info@wendybenstead.com and we'll hatch a plan!!
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Referral from
September 16, 2013
Wendy B. asked:Can anybody recommend a good hand embroiderer for a quick turnaround job! It's not huge, but needs to be hand as its onto silk! Any ideas? Thanks! :)Wendy B. replied:Hi! Yes please, can any of the above people email me on info@wendybenstead.com! Thanks!
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Recommendations from Wendy B.
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